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By Ethan Carter — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

Red Sox Draft Strategy Emphasizes Pitching

The Boston Red Sox concluded their 2026 MLB Draft class, with a notable shift in strategy on the second day. After selecting three position players during the first day, the team concentrated heavily on pitching, dedicating 11 of their 16 selections to pitchers. This included four consecutive college arms chosen in rounds 5 through 8, a move aimed at securing top college talent.

Jake Bruml, the Red Sox director of amateur scouting, oversaw his first draft in this role, having previously served as an assistant in the draft room for six years. Bruml explained the team’s approach, stating that the best college players often become available in the fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds, and the Red Sox aimed to capitalize on that opportunity.

The Red Sox also utilized additional bonus pool money, which became available after their first-round pick, North Carolina shortstop Jake Schaffner, was expected to sign for a bonus below the MLB slot recommendation. These funds allowed the team to draft two high-upside high school players: power-hitting outfielder Martin Shelar from Georgia in the ninth round, and right-handed pitcher Kaleb LaFavor from Iowa in the tenth round.

Key Pitching and Hitting Selections

Among the pitching selections, Lucas Davenport, a right-handed pitcher from Baylor, was chosen in the fifth round. Davenport, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 230 pounds, is noted for his delivery extension and a fastball that typically ranges between 94-96 miles per hour. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Red Sox, citing the team’s potential for player development.

The sixth-round pick was Brett Lanman, a 6-foot-5, 228-pound right-hander from Abilene Christian. Lanman maintained a consistent presence on the mound throughout his three collegiate seasons, never missing a start. His college coach, Rick McCarty, described him as a durable pitcher with a fastball that reaches the mid-90s without maximum effort. McCarty drew parallels between Lanman’s physical stature and that of Payton Tolle, a successful pitcher recently developed by the Red Sox.

Shelar, the ninth-round pick, is an outfielder committed to Mississippi State. He was ranked by many scouting services between No. 100 and No. 175. Shelar demonstrated significant power, hitting 19 home runs in 33 games as a high schooler and a 470-foot home run during the MLB Combine’s on-field workouts. His coach, Mike Strickland, highlighted Shelar’s dedication to improving his game as his primary asset.

LaFavor, a right-handed pitcher from Bishop Heelan High School, was selected in the tenth round. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 180 pounds, LaFavor has already achieved fastball speeds of 95 miles per hour. Bruml projected LaFavor’s potential, comparing his upside to that of Brewers All-Star Jacob Misiorowski, particularly as he gains strength and refines his mechanics within the Red Sox’s development system.

Looking Ahead for the Draft Class

The Red Sox’s strategy on Day 2 aimed to balance securing established college talent with investing in high-potential high school prospects. The team focused on pitchers who are known for throwing strikes and have the potential to develop into starters.

Bruml anticipates that the Red Sox will sign all of their first 10 selections, pending physical examinations. The team’s use of additional bonus pool money allowed them to pursue players like Shelar and LaFavor, who might otherwise have honored college commitments.

The 2026 MLB Draft class for the Red Sox includes a variety of talents, with the majority of selections now focused on strengthening the pitching depth for future seasons.

The draft, which now consists of 20 rounds, serves as the initial step for these players before they begin their careers in the minor leagues.

Source: bostonglobe.com